"I'm alive and well," clarified former Zimbabwe cricket captain Heath Streak trashing reports of his death which were triggered by an X post by his fellow teammate Henry Olonga.

Speaking to Mid-day, Streak, who is battling cancer, said, "It is a total rumour and a lie. I'm alive and well. I am very upset to learn that something as big as someone apparently passing can be spread unverified especially in our day and age of social media."

"I believe the source should apologise. I am hurt by the news," he added. 

Olonga's post that had triggered the rumour read, "Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP Zimbabwe cricket legend."

In a new post on X, Olonga later said, "I can confirm that rumours of the demise of Heath Streak have been greatly exaggerated. I just heard from him. The third umpire has called him back. He is very much alive folks."

After the news of the supposed death of Zimbabwe cricket icon and ex-skipper Heath Streak, his fans and fellow cricketers were distressed.

Streak, who had also coached Zimbabwe, is the best bowler for his country so far.

The 49-year-old picked 216 wickets in 65 Tests and 239 wickets in 189 One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Streak, who played during the golden era of Zimbabwean cricket, is the only bowler from his country to have picked over 100 wickets in Tests.

He is one of the four cricketers from his country to pick over 100 wickets in ODIs.